Bangalore, often dubbed India’s Silicon Valley, is a city teeming with innovation and growth. However, it is also a city grappling with significant planning and infrastructure issues that become glaringly apparent during monsoon seasons. Roads flooded with rainwater, underpasses that resemble swimming pools, and traffic congestion stretching for kilometres are just a few of the visible signs of the city’s infrastructure shortcomings.

One critical issue is the apparent lack of coordination among various government departments like the Public Works Department (PWD), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM). It’s not uncommon to see a newly paved road being dug up for pipeline installation or other repairs, leading to traffic disruptions and added costs. This lack of coordination not only frustrates commuters but also raises questions about the efficiency and foresight of the city’s planning processes.

While high-ranking officials and ministers frequently tour Bangalore’s central and more affluent areas to address grievances, other parts of the city feel neglected. Electronic City, a key technology hub, is one such area where residents often feel left out of the loop. Despite its significance to Bangalore’s economy, Electronic City sees little in the way of ministerial or high-level official visits. The discrepancy between the attention given to the city center and the outskirts raises concerns about unequal treatment and neglect.

The challenges in Electronic City reflect a broader issue in Bangalore: the disconnect between city planning and its rapid growth. The city’s development has outpaced its infrastructure, leading to congestion, flooding, and a lack of essential services in some areas. While government officials make promises and conduct high-profile visits before elections, the follow-through often leaves much to be desired.

Bangalore’s residents, particularly those in neglected areas like Electronic City, are calling for better coordination, infrastructure planning, and equitable treatment. The city must address these issues to maintain its status as a premier technology hub and improve the quality of life for all its residents. It will take concerted effort and a more holistic approach to planning to turn Bangalore into a truly well-planned city.